A Dead Heat occurs when two or more competitors finish in a tie for a paying position, and the photo finish cannot separate them. In Horse Racing and Golf, this triggers specific payout rules that often confuse bettors.
This calculator applies standard Dead Heat Rules to show you exactly how much your reduced payout will be.
How Dead Heat Rules Work
When a Dead Heat occurs, you don’t get paid full odds. Instead, your Stake is divided by the number of tied winners.
The Formula:
(Original Stake / Number of Tied Winners) * Odds = Payout
You bet $50 on a horse at 10.00 odds.
- Scenario: Your horse ties for 1st place with one other horse (2 Winners).
- Calculation: Your stake is cut in half ($25). The other half is lost.
- Winning Bet: $25 * 10.00 = $250 Return.
- Net Profit: $250 (Return) – $50 (Original Total Stake) = $200.
Note: In Golf Each-Way betting, dead heats for placement (e.g., T5) are very common. This tool is essential for calculating those returns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I lose money on a Dead Heat?
It depends on the odds. If you bet on a favorite at odds of 1.50 and it dead-heats (2 winners), your effective payout becomes 0.75, meaning you lose money. If the odds are high (like the example above), you still make a profit, just less than expected.